Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at University of Mount Olive

University of Mount Olive's associate program in health sciences delivers exceptional first-year earnings—$69,449, more than double the national median—but that success comes with an unusual caveat. Graduates see their earnings drop 16% by year four, falling to $58,397. While this decline is concerning, even these lower earnings still substantially outpace the national median of $32,798. The debt load of $31,838 is notably higher than typical for associate programs in this field (national median: $12,992), though the strong first-year earnings keep the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.46.

The striking 95th percentile national ranking suggests graduates are accessing high-paying positions immediately after graduation—likely specialized roles that may not offer traditional advancement paths, or perhaps contract positions with premium initial compensation. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, the program appears to deliver real economic mobility despite the higher debt, at least in the short term.

For families, this program offers a clear path to solid earnings that justify the above-average debt, but the earnings decline warrants investigation. Prospective students should ask the program directly about typical job placements and why earnings might decrease over time—whether it reflects career transitions, part-time work patterns, or industry dynamics. If your child can secure one of those initial high-paying positions and manage the debt thoughtfully, the investment pencils out better than most associate programs nationwide.